Services

Brands We Service

• Audi
• BMW
• Mercedes Benz
• MINI Cooper
• Porsche
• Volkswagen
• Land Rover
• Volvo
• Lexus
• Maserati

FUEL INJECTION SERVICES

Fuel injection services can vary from shop to shop and from cleaner to cleaner. We have used quite a few and have found the BG system to be superior to most. A service consists of running the vehicle until warm, and then the vehicle’s fuel system is disabled. The pressurized BG fuel system cleaner is then connected to the vehicle and the engine is started. The engine actually runs on the cleaner, allowing it to work through the injectors, intake valves, combustion chambers and exhaust valves. Any unburned cleaner goes by the oxygen sensors and through the catalytic converter. We then disconnect the cleaner and reconnect the vehicle’s fuel system. After restarting and road testing, the engine control system is reset to factory settings and any related service codes are deleted. We have tested the results and are honestly excited about the improvements that can be felt and seen. For example: We have had multiple vehicles that had failed smog inspections. We performed FI services and they passed. These vehicles would have otherwise needed new catalytic converters. The wasted unburned cleaner can cause the catalytic converters to self-clean, and the cleaner helps reduce NOX emissions by cleaning the carbon from the combustion area. We have even had customers tell us their gas mileage increased after a service. We recommend the service every 30k miles or 2 years.

OIL CHANGES

What about the 15,000 mile oil change? German vehicles have nearly always had extended oil life recommendations. New German automobiles with “full maintenance warranty” limit free oil services to 1 per year or when the service indicator tells you – this averages around 12-16k miles. We believe the engine will not fail prematurely due to the extended miles on the oil; however, the long-term life of the engine might be extended if more frequent servicing is done. It’s very important to frequently inspect all fluids, belts, tires and hoses. A visit to European Motorwerks every 6 months or 6000-7000 miles to change the oil and filter, adjust tire pressures and perform a comprehensive inspection can save you money over the life of your German car. It could also save you the inconvenience of a breakdown. Call us for an appointment.

TRANSMISSION AND BRAKES

Lifetime transmission fluid? Since 1993, German vehicle manufacturers has been sealing automatic transmissions and recommending “no servicing for the life of the transmission”. It is true that transmission fluids do not live in the same harsh environment as the engine oil, so extended services are reasonable. However, it may be more prudent to replace the transmission fluid and filter every 75,000 miles to provide additional assurance that the owner will not experience transmission problems. As with most repairs, European Motorwerks can perform the transmission service the same day.

Why original German auto-manufacturer brake parts? Over the years we have tried many different variations of brake components on German autos, and what we have learned is that the original brake rotors and linings perform better for street use than any other combination. The superior cold performance and lack of any noise or vibration makes them ideal for daily driving. The only drawback to original equipment is the dark grey brake dust caused by the high carbon linings. After-market linings can cure the dust problem but quite often create other issues. A shaking steering wheel as you slow from freeway speeds, and even when not braking, can often be cured with German brake discs/rotors. As the non-original rotors heat cycle from driving, they often become warped. The German vehicle rotors are cast from very soft and porous steel; they dissipate heat very uniformly, and when the factory linings are used, the pores at the surface of the rotors collect and hold carbon from the linings to help adhesion and minimize vibrations (noise).

The brake system of your German vehicle uses a glycol-based hydraulic fluid. This fluid is “hygroscopic,” which means it will absorb moisture over time. Moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid and causes internal corrosion in the brake system. That’s why the fluid should be replaced when brake repairs are done or every two years (regardless of mileage) as preventive maintenance. European Motorwerks uses a pressure bleeding system to ensure all of the fluid is replaced and no air is introduced.

Ever notice the way the rotors on your German vehicle rust in what seems like minutes after a car wash? Also, sometimes squeaks can be heard during a rainy day. This is a result of washing the carbon away. Our recommendation is original brakes on your German auto unless you intend to compete. Remember to go easy on your new brakes for the first two hundred miles. This will harden the lining materials and maximize the performance and longevity of the linings. Most brake jobs can be done the same day at European Motorwerks. Call us for an appointment.

COOLANT

The coolant in your engine serves three important purposes. One is to protect your engine from damage from freezing. Here in sunny Texas we typically need not worry about freezing. The second is to keep the engine cool, and here that is far more important. We all need to be cool, right? The third is just as important, and that is to protect the engine from corrosion. One specific measure of protection is pH. If you have ever had a swimming pool then you know about pH. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Liquids with a pH less than seven are considered acidic, while those with a pH greater than seven are considered basic (alkaline). A pH of 7.0 is neutral (like pure water). The coolant pH in your German vehicle started at 8.5 and after a couple years will dip into the 6 range. At this point it’s doing more harm than good. Gaskets, hoses and seals are no longer being protected. They’re being eaten! It’s a slow process, but irreversible. It’s very important to replace the coolant with the correct type every three years or so. At European Motorwerks we use the factory zero phosphate coolant and can replace it in about an hour.

POWER STEERING

The power steering fluid of your German auto is just as important as the coolant or brake fluid. The fluid is used to assist the driver when steering, but just as importantly, it lubricates the steering gear that turns the wheels. It is pumped from its reservoir by a belt driven hydraulic pump through hoses and then to the steering gear. After the fluid passes through the gear it goes through more hoses to the cooler and then back to the fluid reservoir. The absence of a filter can cause problems; if a pump or gear starts to fail, the debris is sent through the entire system, resulting in an expensive repair. The fluid, when new, helps condition the hoses and seals within the system. After time, the conditioners break down, resulting in hoses and seals that become hard and brittle. Power steering hose replacements are among the most common vehicle repairs. German autos have no recommended service interval for replacing the power steering fluid. At European Motorwerks we recommend changing the power steering fluid every 30k miles. Call us for an appointment.